MENTOR
On average, 40+ youth age out of Mecklenburg County’s foster care system each year.
these youth are at an increased risk to experience homelessness, unemployment, & Incarceration as adults.
Children 9+ years of age are 5 times more likely to age out simply because they no longer look like a “baby”.
“One positive, non-parental adult mentoring relationship can improve the likelihood of positive adult outcomes.”
Connection Matters
Be the connection these kids need.
Youth in foster care experience adversities and are in need of a support and services to increase their knowledge of life skills, as well as the emotional, relational, and social competencies necessary to act upon those skills.
Mentoring through CFK gives older youth in foster care the opportunity to connect with someone who will walk alongside and support them through the challenges and transitions they will experience on their journey to adulthood. It is a time for the child to experience authentic connections, have no-strings-attached fun, and be with people who are interested in their well-being. Once kids get to know people in a non-threatening environment, they might find a permanent relationship that can make an important difference in their lives.
Next steps for mentors:
01. Attend a mentor info session
Individuals and/or couples interested in becoming a CFK mentor should plan to attend a Mentor Info Session. This is a “no-commitment” orientation where you will hear from CFK staff about what becoming a mentor really means in our program. You will also have an opportunity to ask questions and meet other mentors and CFK staff. Attendance at an Info Session is a mandatory prerequisite to our training.
02. Fill out a mentor application
Upon completing the info session, you will be sent the mentor application and asked to fill out a confidentiality agreement and background check. CFK Mentor team will reach out to further discuss your interest and to conduct a brief interview.
How to refer a youth to the program:
Know a youth age 11-18 who is currently in foster care through Mecklenburg or Union counties and is interested in connecting with a mentor? If you are a social worker, foster parent, kinship provider, or GAL you can refer them through the link below. Reach out to mentor@cfknc.org with any questions.
“We want this to become the norm, for our children in foster care to know that the community and our churches do love them!”
Why this program matters…
Read below to hear directly from youth who have aged out of the foster care system and what life is like when they don’t have anyone to lean on or turn to in crisis:
“Our lives have been so enriched by mentoring William. We went into this thinking we would bring blessing to a foster child but every day we spend with him we are reminded of Gods grace and provision. As Proverbs 11:25 says, ‘Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered’”